Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting (revised 2024)

The Oxford Principles can help improve the emissions reduction outcomes of your carbon offsetting strategy. The Principles focus on four main elements for credible net-zero aligned offsetting:

• Cut emissions, ensure the environmental integrity of credits used to achieve net zero, and regularly revise your offsetting strategy as best practice evolves

• Transition to carbon removal offsetting for any residual emissions by the global net zero target date

• Shift to removals with durable storage (low risk of reversal) to compensate any residual emissions by the net zero target date

• Support the development of innovative and integrated approaches to achieving net zero

It also defines key terms and targets and explains types of projects available in today's carbon markets.